Jules Moigniez was the son of a metal gilder who gained an invaluable grounding in the technical aspects of bronzes from his father, whilst his artistic training came from studying under Paul Comoléra who specialised in animal studies, particularly birds.

Moigniez made an early debut at the Salon at the age of twenty in 1855, marking the beginning of a highly successful career. Four years later he exhibited his Setter Hovering over a Pheasant (now in the Chateau de Compiègne) and was then a regular contributor at the Salon until 1881. In 1857, his father established a bronze foundry in order to cast his son's work, and several other sculptors are known to have had their bronzes edited there. As an experienced metal gilder, his father experimented with a wide variety of patinations, including gilding. The evidence can be seen in the many shades of golden bronze that characterise some of Moigniez's most successful pieces. His compositions were decorative and easily understood and although undoubtedly influenced by Mêne, he managed to maintain his own individual style.

Moigniez was fashionable in Britain during his lifetime and paid a great deal of attention to his export market. With an eye to this market, he sculpted many English and Scottish subjects, particularly dogs, including King Charles Spaniel and Bassett Hound `Belot'. He received a medal at the Great Exhibition in London in 1862 and well deserves his place in the top group of Animalier sculptors.